Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 30 - A love blossoms

Alexander's pov:

Cassandra stood in front of me, gazing up at the stars. She wore a simple t-shirt and pants, her hair tied up in a messy bun.

"What are you doing here so late?" I asked as she turned around, surprised.

"Did I scare you?" I added with a small smile.

"No, no... I just didn't expect anyone to be up at this hour," she replied softly.

"Oh... I see. So, what brings you here?"

"I couldn't sleep," she said timidly. "I thought I'd come out and watch the stars."

"Want some company?"

"I don't mind..." she said, smiling—a smile that told me she actually enjoyed my presence.

We sat beside the fire, long since extinguished. It didn't take me long to notice her arms wrapped around herself. She looked cold.

"You chilly?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice. For some reason, whenever I'm around Cassandra, my protective instincts kick in. I see her like the little sister I never had.

"A little. It's a bit cold tonight," she admitted.

"Want me to light a fire?"

"No, no, don't trouble yourself," she said awkwardly.

"Wait a minute." I stood and headed to my tent. A few minutes later, I returned with a blanket. Draping it over her shoulders, I sat back down beside her.

"Better?"

"Yes, thank you," she said, curling up in the warmth.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?"

"It is... You know..." she hesitated.

"Yeah..." I replied, my eyes still fixed on the stars.

"All this time, I... I wanted to thank you," she said after a deep breath. "For everything you've done for me."

"You don't have to thank me. I didn't do anything special."

"Don't be modest. You did more than you realize. Maybe it seems small to you, but your actions changed my life. You saved me. I can't thank you enough."

"Don't make a big deal out of it. I just did what anyone would have done. You shouldn't feel obligated."

"But I do... and you can't imagine how much I appreciate it," she said, moving closer to me, her eyes shining with something more than gratitude.

Our faces were only inches apart, and an unusual tension filled the air. Something invisible pulled me toward her, though I couldn't quite name it. Our breaths grew heavier, and our eyes remained locked. I found myself lost in her deep forest-green gaze.

Then it happened—suddenly, unexpectedly. Cassandra leaned in and kissed me. Her kiss was hesitant, soft... and strangely, I welcomed it, returning it. As the kiss deepened, it grew more urgent and demanding from both of us. She stirred something inside me, feelings I had long buried.

I hadn't been with a woman since Elektra broke up with me. No one had ever sparked such an intense attraction—until now.

Cassandra was young, sweet, and innocent. It was clear she barely knew how to kiss. The moment the reality of what we were doing hit me, I pulled away immediately. She was only eighteen, while I was thirty-five. She could be my daughter.

A wave of shame and disgust washed over me. I realized I was crossing a line that Bartholomew had already crossed with her. But I was not him—I was not a monster.

Without another word, I stood abruptly and walked away from her.

"You should go inside," I said sternly, turning away without meeting her eyes. "Staying out here this late is dangerous. Good night."

I couldn't look at her. Shame held my gaze captive.

"Go...od...n...night," she mumbled softly, disappointment clear in her voice. My coldness must have confused her, maybe even hurt her, but I knew this was the right choice. I shouldn't have let myself be carried away by impulse—there was no excuse for what happened.

I returned to my tent, embarrassed and angry with myself.

How could I do that? She's just a kid. I'm no better than Bartholomew... I thought, anguish tightening my chest. Oh Goddess, how did I let myself slip so easily?

"Relax. It was just a kiss. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill," Ares's voice echoed in my mind.

"How can you say that? She's only eighteen, Ares!" I snapped back.

"And you're a man with needs. Don't be so hard on yourself. She's beautiful—anyone in your position would have done the same."

"I'm not like every other man," I scolded him sharply. "You should have known better."

"You can't live in solitude forever," Ares suggested gently. "You need to find a woman to love and care for."

"A woman, not a girl," I replied firmly. "Cassandra is too young. Besides, it's too soon to even think about another woman. My heart, my mind, everything belongs to Elektra."

"Though it pains me to say it, Elektra rejected us. She doesn't want anything to do with you. She doesn't recognize you as her mate. Don't get your hopes up," Ares said, his voice heavy with disappointment.

"That's enough," I cut him off, exhaustion overtaking me. "Let's just sleep." I lay back in my sleeping bag, feeling the weight of weariness settle in.

Ares reluctantly retreated to the back of my mind. I know he cares and means well, but I wasn't ready to talk about my love life. The thought that Elektra might never accept me as her mate was a deep, unhealed wound.

Cassandra's pov:

After Alexander suddenly walked away, I stayed outside for a while, unable to go back to sleep. My mind replayed the moment we shared again and again, my fingers absentmindedly touching my lips. His kiss had left them tingling with a sweet warmth. I had never been kissed so tenderly by a man before.

That savage, Bartholomew, had made me believe that love—especially for a woman—was something awful, painful, and degrading. But tonight, Alexander showed me a different side of love. He revealed that human touch could be gentle, kind, and filled with tenderness. His kiss was absolutely breathtaking.

He's such a good man—beautiful inside and out. I couldn't deny it anymore: I was in love with him. From the very first time I met him, that day in the Silver Moon pack, I was captivated by his kindness and strength. I had never seen an Alpha treat an omega with such respect and care. His goodness had completely captured my heart.

Since those villains were arrested, everyone had come to know about Alexander's efforts to stop them. He didn't just save me—he saved the entire werewolf community. He is a truly remarkable man, worthy of admiration and praise.

I know that a relationship with him is almost impossible for so many reasons. I'm just a lowly omega, while he's the Alpha of one of the strongest packs—and a future contender for the throne. He commands respect from everyone, from simple omegas to the members of the Council. And yet, I am... nothing important.

But I will try to be worthy of him. I will win his heart. Even if I am not his mate by fate, I believe I can make him mine.